LAUREL, MD, November 25, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Valeria A. Ford has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
After gaining 40 years of valuable expertise in the field of education, Dr. Ford retired from her role as an assessment and accountability specialist for the U.S. Department of Education. Over the years, she gained valuable expertise in the educational testing industry as director of testing for the District of Columbia Public Schools, testing specialist in Norfolk, Virginia Public Schools, director of testing at Norfolk State University and assessment specialist with the Maryland and Virginia State Departments of Education.
Dr. Ford began her work in educational assessments because she was concerned with how test score results could limit opportunities for African-American students. Realizing the disparity between test performance and opportunities afforded, she pursued a degree at Pennsylvania State University to learn more about the assessment process and where she had the honor of studying in a department of diverse students and faculty. Her department faculty chairman and student advisor directed her toward her involvement with the Educational Testing Service (ETS); she became the first African-American woman to be selected for a summer internship at the ETS.
An expert in her field, Dr. Ford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Hampton University in Virginia. Subsequently, she received a Master of Arts, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy degree in educational psychology, both from the Pennsylvania State University, where she was the first African American Ph.D. recipient in the department. Driven to remain in tune with ongoing testing methodologies, she became a member of the Association of Test Directors, and Division H of the American Educational Research Association. She is very pleased that her area of academic pursuit culminated with her career fulfillment.
A champion of her community, Dr. Ford gave back through the Norfolk, VA Girl Scouts of the United States of America in her younger years. She has subsequently served as president of her Maryland chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she is a life member, as well as the president of the chapter's charitable foundation. In a career filled with highlights, she is most proud of opportunities to interact with assessment staff from local school districts across the country and graduating from the Pennsylvania State University. Additionally, she received the Woman of the Year Award in 2010 at the Michigan Park Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, where she has served as an Elder and Chairman of the General Board. In the coming years, Dr. Ford intends to continue enjoying her retirement, participating in community service projects, listening and singing 'ole skool' r&b/gospel music and watching professional football on TV on fall weekends.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® now publishes many Who's Who titles, including Who's Who in America®, Who's Who in the World®, Who's Who in American Law®, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare®, Who's Who in Science and Engineering®, and Who's Who in Asia®. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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